Unai Emery expects Villarreal to ‘feel the force’ of Manchester United

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United will be reunited with Villarreal in the Champions League after being drawn against the Spanish side in the group stages.

Villarreal beat United on penalties in the Europa League final last season after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.

This meant Villarreal were top seeds for the Champions League groups, and United landed one of the softer draws by being drawn against them.

Beating them won’t be easy. In four Champions League meetings between the sides before, all of them have finished 0-0.

The difference now is Cristiano Ronaldo, who gives United a real edge.

Villarreal boss Unai Emery is wary of the challenge ahead for his side.

Speaking to the Villarreal website, Emery said: “Obviously, the big club in the group is Manchester United.

“We’ll meet again and feel the force of those players who are some of the best in the world.”

The other two teams in the group are Atalanta and Young Boys.

United kick off and end the campaign against the Swiss side, with the first match taking place away from home.

The Red Devils’ first fixture will be at home to Emery’s Villarreal.

• Who is Nicolò Tresoldi? The Italy-born Germany youth striker linked with Man Utd
• Youri Tielemans’ past injuries and age cannot overshadow immediate solution solved in Man Utd’s post-Casemiro era
• I was desperate for Man United to sign Eduardo Camavinga, but his latest Real Madrid decision is a worry
• Joshua Zirkzee’s stance on Juventus move could fast-track Man Utd exit
• Danilo has already learned two important skills from Casemiro amid rumblings he could move to Man Utd
• Man Utd may immediately repeat their successful Youri Tielemans ‘trick’ with their next midfield signing
• Why Man Utd’s brand-new Adidas away shirt for 2026/27 Premier League season is in blue design
• Alejandro Garnacho’s Aston Villa spell could determine which of his two ex-Man Utd teammates’ footsteps he follows
• There’s one major difference with how Benjamin Sesko looks in training
• What Manchester United’s XI vs Rosenborg looked like in 2024 pre-season clash
• Unprecedented transfer move: Man Utd swoop for third midfielder would rip up the club’s transfer history
• Michael Carrick’s Chido Obi decision vs Wrexham is puzzling after JJ Gabriel’s inclusion for Rosenborg
• There is one thing missing from the Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo combination
• Wayne Rooney thinks one World Cup moment proves why Sir Alex Ferguson was ‘best’ in crucial tactical area
• How to watch Man Utd vs Rosenborg: TV channel, live stream and kick-off time today